JUMP Children’s Charity
2085. Christine Bentham
Christine Bentham, originally from Warrington and now living in Llandudno, founded ‘JUMP Children’s Charity’, which has provided professional photography services for over 1,000 families of children with life-limiting health conditions to help build memories and prepare for bereavement.
Christine set up ‘JUMP’ as a legacy to her grandson Jacob, who passed away in 2004 following a life-limiting health condition. The photographs and video that the family had of Jacob, became an everlasting tribute and Christine wanted to help other families capture those memories.
The charity also runs a social community support network and runs themed ‘Memory Days’, where relatives can come together to enjoy activities and support each other. Christine hopes to be able to build on additional bereavement support for parents and siblings, including access to counselling.
In a personal letter to Christine, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“After you tragically lost your grandson Jacob in 2004, I was touched to hear how you wanted to help other families through their bereavement.
“It is wonderful how you are helping so many loved ones create lasting memories through your photography services and memory days. You are also providing a truly valuable support network for families to connect and share experiences with one another in a safe and understanding space.”
Robin Millar, Christine’s local MP, said:
“In founding the ‘JUMP Children’s Charity’, Christine has helped to bring comfort to so many families across North Wales and throughout the North West of England who have cared for a child with a terminal illness. The charity’s work in helping families to build memories and to prepare for bereavement is as heart warming as it is inspirational.
“I am pleased that Christine’s voluntary work, and that of ‘JUMP Children’s Charity’, has been recognised by the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award programme and I am delighted to offer my congratulations to Christine.
“Thank you Christine for everything that you have done in supporting families who have gone through the most difficult of times.”
Christine said:
“I feel very humbled and honoured to be recognised in this way and most importantly for our nation to be part of a growing number of amazing people that are volunteering and making a difference in their communities.”
See more about ‘Jump Children’s Charity’
